I’m originally from Markham, Ontario and I’m a first-year PhD student in the Department of Political Science. I completed my Bachelor of Arts (Honors) in European and Russian Studies at Carleton University. During my undergraduate degree, I spent a year abroad studying European politics at the University of Konstanz in Germany. I completed my Master of Arts in Political Science at the Memorial University of Newfoundland.  My Master’s thesis looked at the comparative success of radical right-wing parties in Northern Europe, with a focus on cultural and economic issue salience in public opinion and party discourse. 

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

I chose to come to SFU because of its reputation as a leading research university. The Political Science department in particular is known for its strengths in methodology and political behaviour, which closely aligns with my research interests. 

TELL US ABOUT YOUR RESEARCH AND/OR PROGRAM.

My research looks at radical politics and how different social, cultural, and economic issues impact political behaviour and party competition. I focus on comparative political behaviour and elections in advanced industrial democracies and look at how new cultural issues like immigration, multiculturalism, and environmentalism are changing political competition. 

WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?

The small class sizes provide a good environment for discussion. Professors have been very accessible to students virtually and take the time to talk to students about their research and goals. I also like the focus on students’ research and working towards publication, as well as the active collaborative nature of the student-professor relationship.

HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR FUNDED AWARDS?

Graduate Dean Entrance Scholarship

DESCRIBE YOUR PROGRAM FOR THOSE SEARCHING.

My program provides a range of courses, so students are able to take courses on a variety of topics that they are interested in. The courses are taught by professors that are leaders in their field which gives students great opportunities to interact with and learn from these researchers.